Rev. Glen Eagle brings faith and love of life to Gilford and Churchill United Churches
by Michelle Minnoch

One of Innisfil's newest residents is a big believer in faith and living life to the fullest. Rev. Glen Eagle, officiating at the Churchill and Gilford United Churches, has ministry in his blood; his father, sister and grandparents are also ministers. Ordained 28 years ago, Rev. Eagle believes love should be a motivating factor in peoples' lives.

"Jesus said to live life abundantly," the Rev. said. "Jesus died for our sins and there is a common belief that if you don't believe, you would go to hell. God loves everybody. We are all God's children." He said church is not something that should be feared and should not feel too restrictive to the parishioner.

Rev. Eagle said people should welcome faith into their lives and open up to it. He said some people do not attend church due to the fear they feel it is too restrictive. Not so, said Eagle.

"Guilt should never be a motivating factor for attending church," he said.

Living his life to the fullest, Rev. Eagle rides his motorcycle, horses and water skis.

"You have to live while you are alive," he said. "I sure am."

Rev. Eagle arrived to Innisfil at Easter with his fiancée and her son. He said although the congregation was smaller when he started, it is starting to grow. He said he has a more liberal attitude than most, and knows his church will be a place for his congregation to learn, develop and grow.

"Church is a place that should build people up, not tear them down."

Rev. Eagle said he is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and probably puts in between 70 to 80 hours a week. On-call, he said he is always available to speak with people who are facing troubles and struggles in their lives. "People call me looking for advice and guidance," he said. "I will do what I can and hopefully my input will help them resolve their issue, or at least make them look at it another way." He said he usually answers more questions via email than he does over the phone.

During the month of July, Rev. Eagle will be officiating at the Gilford United Church at 9:30 am, and in August he will be at the Churchill United Church at 9:30 am. Starting in September, he will be serving at Churchill every Sunday at 9:30 am, and Gilford at 11:00 am.